Supply module for an automated analyzer

Abstract

A method is described for supplying consumables to an automated analyzer by providing at least one reagent and at least one solid consumable from a supply module which is docked to the analyzer, followed by undocking the supply module from the analyzer and removing it therefrom. Also described is a respective system and a supply module for supplying consumables to an automated analyzer.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 of EP 13197212.7, filed Dec. 13, 2013, the content of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present disclosure relates to the field of analytics, and in particular to methods, systems, and supply modules for loading solid and liquid consumables into systems for analyzing biological samples, such as automated analyzers.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Analytical instruments in the field of in-vitro diagnostics, especially high-throughput analyzers, consume a high quantity of consumables within a relatively short period of time. Existing systems often require both consumable solid parts and liquids. The consumable solid parts include reaction vessels like plates or tubes in which samples are provided to the instrument and in which they are processed and analyzed. Liquid consumables include reagents for interacting...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]In one embodiment, a method is provided for supplying consumables to an automated analyzer having a housing. This method commences with providing a supply module including in a predefined geometrical arrangement at least one reagent and at least one set of solid consumables, and further including a mount for reversibly docking the supply module to the analyzer. The supply module is then reversibly docked to the analyzer using said mount and a receiving interface comprised by the housing of the analyzer. Further, at least one reagent and at least one solid consumable are supplied from the supply module to the analyzer prior to undocking the supply module from the analyzer and removing it therefrom. As detailed herein, the supply module having both a solid and a liquid consumable facilitates the workflow in an analytical system, reduces down-time and user intervention, and increases analytical throughput.

Problems solved by technology

Analytical instruments in the field of in-vitro diagnostics, especially high-throughput analyzers, consume a high quantity of consumables within a relatively short period of time.

These supplies are transported to and loaded onto the system, and, after usage, constitute waste that has to be removed from the system and discarded.

Especially in the case of high-throughput analyzers causing a high rate of test material consumption and, accordingly, a high production of waste, the above-described separate loading is typically labor-intensive and time-consuming.

Moreover, user-system-interactions can be error-prone and necessitate specially trained personnel.

In this context, manual waste handling steps may constitute an important safety issue since the risk of contamination for both system and user is increased.

This represents a major issue especially in the high-throughput sector, where the total system downtime due to resourcing plays an increasingly important role for operational as well as economical reasons.

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